I find that interior designers make the best "contractors" versus a full blown builder.They value engineer better with paint and flooring, and perhaps some cabinets.

At first they didn't understand, but I took the bat and took a full swing at a cabinet.

Also lots of small things filter & smoke detector batteries need changed, hardware is missing from one cabinet.

We are on the fence of either replacing my kitchen cabinets, or just painting them.

All new flooring, cabinets, countertops, complete bathroom makeovers, light and water fixtures and so much more!

Purchase price: $74,000 Cash invested: $30,000 Beautifully renovated 4-bedroom split-level home that features a new galley style kitchen with 42" soft close cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lights, updated baths with modern vanities and fixtures, large living room that leads to separate dining room off kitchen, three spacious bedrooms on 2nd level with modern decor, large lower-level family room with ceramic tile flooring with well-placed laundry cove, and recently laid sod in front and rear of property.

Is it worth diving into a full bathroom/kitchen gut (unpermitted/handyman not of my choice) possibly revealing more issues or just paint, new cabinet pulls, switches/outlets, lights, etc?

I would like to find someone that can identify things that a) don't have asbestos and thus don't need to be tested (e.g. kitchen cabinets)b) things that  90%+ likely to have asbestos and thus should be treated as having asbestos (i.e. handle with extreme caution.3) Is there some certification that I can get that states that a home is asbestos free? 

Where can i find inexpensive but quality kitchen cabinets?

I think you will have a hard time matching the older cabinets.